“CUT SOME CRAPE MYRTLE BRANCHES AND BRING THEM INDOORS BEFORE THEY STOP BLOOMING”
 
I don’t think there is a flower tree more impressive than the crape myrtle and its colorful flowers. The tree send the flowers to the end of its branches and there, they dance with the wind. The outcome of the dance makes your yard look majestic. My recommendation to you about this type of tree: is better to have more than one and hopefully, in a variety of colors.
 
Again, don’t waste any time, summer is about to force them to stop flowering and they will all be gone soon. That will leave us with green leaves only, before all mighty fall will wipe them away until next year.

Summer is almost over but this gardening season is still alive. Plants continue to produce flowers, vegetables and fruits. Mother Nature is amazing; however, we just need to help her a bit to enjoy what it yields. These are the little things you need to do to help her:
 
Deadheading Flowers
I deadhead my spent flowers to encourage more flowering.  My greatest joy is to cut flowers from my garden to beautify and enjoy them indoors. Removing dead flower heads off the plants help to keep them blooming longer.
 
Watering
Watering can be a chore especially if you have lots of plants and you don’t have a sprinkler system. I grab a cup of coffee, go out and water my plants early in the morning to decrease evaporation.  I am careful with my container plants because they dry out faster. If it feels like a chore to you, pray for rain in the forecast, BOOM!
Divisions of Plants, The More the Merrier
I divide early blooming bulbs like iris, hyacinth and daffodils when the leaves have completely died back. That gives me lots of FREE new plants for my garden and also, I share with my family, neighbors and friends.
 
Weeding in the Garden
I always wait for a nice rain, few days in a row before weeding. Then I take a small area at a time. That makes my life easier and gives me a sense of accomplishment. I pick one small section of the garden and pull all the weeds I see. It only takes me a few moments, and it’s done.
 
On the large open spaces, instead of pulling them, I fill a sprayer with vinegar and a bit of dish soap. Then, I walk around the area and spray any weeds I see. The key is that I do this only when the sun is out, better around noon.
No chemicals needed to get rid of them.
 
Harvesting My Produce
Believe it or not, harvesting keeps my vegetable garden plants producing more. It gives me so much pleasure to harvest my tomatoes, eggplants, jalapenos, sweet peppers, hot peppers, herbs and onions from my own garden. Then I start thinking about using them in my weekly dinners. If I have more than what I need, I share with my family and neighbors. Is a win-win situation. This year I have tons of Cuban Oregano and sweet cooking peppers.